🧀 Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

🍽️ Dish Type: Side Dish / Brunch

🕰️ Total Time: 1 hour

🍴 Servings: 8–10

🌟 Flavor Profile: Cheesy, creamy, savory

🍳 Best Served: Hot and bubbly!

---

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

---

🔥 Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. Mix it Up:
   In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, butter, and seasonings. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Hashbrowns:
   Fold in thawed hashbrowns until evenly coated.
4. Bake:
   Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until hot, golden, and bubbly.
5. Optional Topper:
   For a crispy finish, top with extra cheese or crushed cornflakes mixed with a little melted butter before baking.

---

✅ Tips:

• Add diced ham or cooked bacon to make it a full breakfast dish!
• Swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Reheats beautifully — perfect for potlucks or make-ahead meals.

---

❓ Can You Use Fresh Potatoes in a Hash Brown Casserole?

Yes, you can! Just follow these steps:

1. Peel and shred 4–5 medium russet potatoes (about 30 oz shredded).
2. Immediately place them in cold water to prevent browning.
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove starch, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Use in the recipe just like frozen hash browns!

🧊 Pro Tip: If you have time, parboil whole potatoes for 5–7 minutes, let cool, then shred — this makes them cook up softer and more like the frozen kind.

---

❄️ How Do You Freeze Hash Brown Casserole?

✅ To Freeze Before Baking:

1. Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap + foil.
3. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking as directed.

✅ To Freeze After Baking:

1. Cool completely.
2. Portion into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish well.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

---

🍳 What Goes with Hash Browns (or Hash Brown Casserole)?

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, here are some tasty pairings:

🍳 Breakfast Favorites:

• Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs
• Bacon, sausage, or ham
• Pancakes, waffles, or biscuits
• Fresh fruit or fruit salad

🍗 Dinner Ideas:

• Roast chicken, grilled pork chops, or meatloaf
• Green beans, steamed broccoli, or salad
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• A big glass of sweet tea or lemonade 😉

---